Getting started

Here are five quick and easy tips to improve your readability score, by Grael Norton.

1. Write about one idea at a time.
2. Keep your sentences short. The fewer words between periods the lower your score. While a few long sentences are not bad and add variety, aim for less rather than more.
3. Five sentences per paragraph is a good amount. Some will be shorter, a few longer but break up text often for greater ease of reading. Some paragraphs can be as short as one or two sentences.
4. Use words with as few syllables as possible. For instance use the word big instead of enormous.
5. Include dialogue in your writing when possible. Natural conversation tends to be short and direct. It also adds interest to an article.

If you write with Microsoft Word, you can use the Spelling and Grammar Review to check your Flesh-Kincaid score.

Go to File > Options > Proofing, and and select Show Readability Statistics.

You can also go to this free checker and paste in your text for instant rating.

And if you are really keen to explore logical fallacies, here is a more detailed list.

The BBC Academy is a website for journalists, it oversees training for the BBC's entire editorial staff. The focus is on best practice in core editorial skills, with an overview of specialist areas including legal and ethical issues. 

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BBC- Social media verification (video)

The Conversation- How social media is helping Australian journalists uncover stories hidden in plain sight

Coursera- How journalists use social media (free online course)

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